[The feed opens showing Anders' bedroom, a very tidy and clean room... except for the apple tree now standing at the bed's end, leaves covering the grey and red sheets and comforters.

The screen shifts and Anders appears, mischievous eyes glinting though there is no smile on his face.]

Well... I saw those trees all over the city but I wasn't expecting this. Any idea if they're going to stay forever and ever ? It's really a pain in the ass to clean those fucking leaves everyday.

[Especially when you are as lazy as him.]

// private to Gaia //
Do I make you so happy that Idun has to grow her apples in every corner of Asgard ? Should I feel proud ?

[And the feed is cut. Bye !]

[It isn't very often Euri uses the video function, but this happens to be a Very Important Event that she feels she needs to broadcast. The camera isn't directed towards herself though, it's turn around to reveal the green grass and trees of Gefion Park.

And one very large black dog. Seriously, this thing is bigger than a wolf. The red eyes aren't doing him any favours, either. Nor is the scythe in his jaws that is clearly made is stark white bones.

Euri understandably sounds a little uneasy when she finally speaks.]

So those apples are pretty strange, huh? I ate a couple of them, thinking they were normal. The first was odd but nothing harmful, just some hallucinations. I actually thought I had eaten some mushrooms at first and just forgot!

[There's a little awkward laugh, before she continues.]

But the next one, well....

[Dog lets out a loud woof before dropping the bone scythe at her feet. Reluctantly, she'll pick it up with both hands and fling it as hard as possible. Dog spins around and tears after it, woofing some more.

Why yes, this is the weirdest game of fetch ever.]

I guess since Dog likes it I can't just get rid of it. Oh! Which reminds me! I taught him a new trick!

[And when the large wolfish hound returns, scythe in tow, Euri's voice turns authoritative as she commands for him to shake. He'll drop the scythe and lift a paw up for her to take with her hand.]

It's so cute!

[ Freyr's visage is calm but sincere, but there is something that subtly belies stress in the thin press of his lips. ]

Good afternoon, Travelers. I assume you all heard the ruckus at the gates earlier, and for that I apologize.

[ He is, of course, referring to the thunderous knocking that had occurred at the Gate of Fog, and the envoy of soldiers bearing Vanaheim's emblem on their flags and shields as they marched to the castle at the center of the city. ]

I am, as we have so many times before, asking you for help. The great King and Queen of Vanaheim are convinced that this war is hopeless, and that those we have brought into this world for help are themselves defenseless. My sister Freya and I will be returning home to soothe their concerns, and this is where we ask you for help: please aid us in proving them wrong. You are strong, competent, brilliant souls, and we would be honored if you would accompany us to showcase your talents to them, to prove them wrong.

[ He smiles again. ]

Vanaheim is a beautiful city, full of culture and art and the most magnificent libraries that you can imagine. You'll be well-provided for on this trip, and kept safe - that much I can assure you.

I'll give you until tomorrow to decide. I hope to see you by the Gate of Fog at sunrise, and if you've any questions now, I'd be happy to answer them.



[ OOC: This is the NPC post kicking off this optional plot event, which will feature travel to Vanaheim for the month in lieu of the month's darker plot! Please feel free to ask any IC questions here and any out of character ones in the plot post above. A mingle log will be going up for this on Day 324/September 10th, when the characters leave! the city! ]

[ while this particular brand of technology is foreign to mikasa, the general concept of something used like this is not, and it only takes her about thirty seconds of rustling and crackling, background noise to silence and back again, before it settles and she speaks. ]

I understand that there are gods in charge of this place. I understand they're difficult to contact. But I need to know if there's someone here. Someone specific. I doubt any of you would be able to tell me, but they might. His name is Eren Jeager. [ and she is very concerned for his well-being. ]

Is it common for fruit-bearing trees to be in the middle of one's bedroom?